What is HAF?
We are excited to share that we will be delivering our next HAF programme in the Easter holidays beween Monday 30 March and 9 April 2026. Eligible pupils can book up to 2 clubs for a maxium of 4 days. Only eligible pupils in receipt of benefits related free school meals can attend up to 4 days of fun activities over the half term. Bookings will open from 11am on the 12 March 2026. Book your free HAF place here
Eequ booking site will automatically check your eligibility once a parent/carer has created an account and entered their child's details.
Approved providers deliver a programme where children and young people can try new activities, have fun and learn new skills.
Important information about your HAF bookings
Do not book your child onto a HAF club when you are going on holidays or have made plans with families and friends. Other eligible children miss out on the opportunity to attend a free holiday club and receive a hot meal.
Southend-on-Sea City Council expects HAF providers to be fully inclusive and make reasonable adaptions to meet the needs of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Parents/carers need to share information about their child's needs with the HAF provider. This will include copies of the child's individual support plans / Education, Health Care Plans (EHCP) and any medical care plans that are at the school to confirm the level of support being requested.
Provider contact details can be found on the providers booking page. If you have any questions after contacting your chosen provider, please email HAF@southend.gov.uk
All parents/carers must apply for free school meals before their child starts in Year R, so that schools recieve the correct funding. If you have just moved to Southend, you must apply for free school meals, even if your child recieved them at your previous school. Apply for free school meals: search result - GOV.UK
Universal Credit
Not all parents who receive Universal Credit are entitled to Free School Meals for their children. It depends on the total income from work and benefits.
If you applied for Universal Credit after 1 April 2018, your income must be less than £7,400 a year, after tax and not including any benefits (or less than £616.66 per calendar month) in order for your children to be eligible for Free School Meals.
If your Universal Credit claim started before 1 April 2018, your children will be entitled to Free School Meals, no matter how high your income is. The Government rules for Free School Meals give 'protected entitlement' until July 2026. So, if you change your job or get extra income before July 2026, you don't need to tell us. You will need to reapply after July 2026.
To view a video from our last session in Spring, please see Holiday Activities and Food scheme for Southend-on-Sea
View the HAF 2023-24 Southend Local Authority Annual Report
If you need more information check the frequently asked questions page or email HAF@southend.gov.uk